MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is a popular party drug typically used by those 25 years old and younger. Repeated use of party drugs, specifically MDMA, can lead to addiction and harmful health risks. Understand what MDMA is, the dangers of abusing it, and how MDMA addiction can be fully treated.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA is an acronym for the drug’s chemical name, methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The “party drug” can often be found in tablet or capsule form. However, it can also be used as a powder or liquid. While MDMA is considered a “party drug” due to its widespread abuse at nightclubs and raves, the drug is also commonly taken during other social events or between sexual partners.
The drug is usually used in these environments because of its energizing effects and increase in pleasure. Although categorized as a hallucinogen, MDMA usually does not result in notable changes in sensory experience, such as hallucinations. Instead, it amplifies feelings of intimacy and euphoria.
According to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, other common effects of MDMA include heightened mood, boosted confidence and extroversion, mild derealization, and heightened sensory perception. This pleasurable high is usually felt within 45 minutes of the drug being taken. MDMA’s high can average three hours, with its peak being felt 15 to 30 minutes after the first effects are experienced. While the high usually lasts around three hours, the after-effects can be felt for days.
Side Effects of MDMA Use
While MDMA can feel pleasurable at first, there are numerous adverse side effects that can occur after the high. The crash after using MDMA can last for days despite the high only lasting a few hours. Some of these side effects include:
- Involuntary jaw clenching
- Decreased appetite
- Mild separation from oneself (depersonalization)
- Illogical or fragmented thinking
- Restless legs
- Nausea
- Hot flashes or chills
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle or joint stiffness
MDMA Mixed With Mystery Drugs
While any drug is dangerous when abused, MDMA is particularly risky due to the fact that these illegal drugs often contain other harmful drugs. MDMA that was confiscated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was analyzed to discover the exact chemicals it contained. They found methamphetamine, the anesthetic ketamine, caffeine, ephedrine, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, heroin, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine.
Since the drug is only sold illegally on the street, there is no regulation of what is actually inside any MDMA being sold. Pure MDMA without contaminants is extremely hard to find. Most MDMA will be filled with dangerous chemicals and drugs, including rat poison.
When ingesting unknown substances, you don’t know what you’re consuming and how much. As a result, critical health risks such as overdose are more likely to occur. Additionally, when addictions are formed with MDMA, the individual is often becoming addicted to added drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or meth.
Dangers of MDMA Addiction
MDMA addiction can be challenging to identify because the substance has no evident withdrawal symptoms and is commonly taken by young people in social situations. Regardless, chronic MDMA use can result in psychological and physical dependency. When someone is dependent on this drug, they will continue to use the substance even when they are aware of the repercussions.
MDMA abuse may distort the reward and pleasure regions in the brain, as well as harm a person’s nerves, brain, and other vital organs over the long term. Additional long-term negative impacts include:
- Psychosis
- Sleep issues
- Nerve deterioration
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory loss
- Kidney failure
- Long-lasting brain damage
- Heart failure
- Seizures
- Death
As previously explained, MDMA is often mixed with other harmful drugs. As a result, the long-term effects and risks can be multiplied or heightened due to the added damage of other dangerous substances.
MDMA use may seem like just an occasional activity for the first few times, done only at parties. However, it can rapidly start to interfere with other aspects of a person’s life when repeatedly used. The abuse of drugs may begin to take precedence over responsibilities to someone’s family, friends, or career. Finding treatment for MDMA addiction is essential when it starts to take over a person’s entire life.
Recovering From MDMA Addiction
Each person requires a unique approach to their MDMA addiction treatment as no two cases are the same. Some people may need more substantial support to help them through recovery or require medical detoxing throughout their withdrawal process.
Directly on the Pacific Ocean, Avalon Malibu has two distinct, certified residential treatment facilities opposite one another. Avalon Malibu has also created an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for the treatment of MDMA misuse that are both state-certified. We are able to address and treat the underlying causes and co-occurring mental health conditions that are frequently linked to MDMA misuse.
MDMA use can quickly spiral into addiction. If you or a loved one has become consumed by substance abuse, there is still hope for a full recovery. At Avalon Malibu, we offer various levels of treatment to help you on your road to sobriety. Due to our comprehensive continuum of care, Avalon Malibu is exceptional. Every facility and program at Avalon Malibu offers unique treatment options, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient psychotherapy with medication management. These options are offered in addition to inpatient mental health and detoxification. Whatever your situation, you can find help and compassion at Avalon Malibu. Learn more about our MDMA addiction treatment by calling (844) 857-5992.
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